The high-profile Mount Gambier Gift Carnival running race will return to Vansittart Park on Saturday – complete with high level competition.

More than 80 athletes from all over South Australia and Victoria will compete in races ranging from 70m to 3200m, with prize money totalling $11,000.

Five Little Events event organiser Natasha Little is again coordinating the carnival, following on from last year’s successful return.

“Following the success of last year’s event, this year is expected to be bigger again,” she said.

“We have several Little Athletics clubs running in a couple of races as well as the traditional professional races.

“Athletes love the opportunity to come to Mount Gambier and race at Vansittart Park.

“We are looking forward to giving Mount Gambier residents the chance to see some top-class athletes compete in their hometown,” Ms Little said.

“Little athletes from Mount Gambier and surrounding districts will also be able to participate in dedicated Little Athletics races.”

Little said Olympics and Commonwealth Games long distance runner Izzi Batt-Doyle and Australian Cross Country and marathon runner Riley Cocks will compete in the Mount Gambier Gift on Saturday.

The duo visited the region 12 months ago, where they held a training session for the Mount Gambier Little Athletics club.

“We really enjoyed our trip last year and meeting all the kids and families at both the Mount Gambier Little Athletics club and the Blue Lake Park Fun run,” Cocks said.

“The running community in Mount Gambier is thriving at the moment and we cannot wait to get back down and be involved.”

Batt-Doyle was just as enthusiastic about returning to the Blue Lake city.

“We look forward to being involved and competing in both the Mount Gambier Gift and the Blue Lake Fun Run,” she said.

Local Mount Gambier athletes will also line up in the main races, with familiar names in Hayden Crowe, Hayden Cooke, Jena Jagger and Leila Croker just to name a few.

The Mount Gambier Gift Carnival will see talented runners compete over distances ranging from 70 metres to 3200 metres.

In the tradition of the famous Stawell Gift and Bay Sheffield, the foot races will be handicapped and provide an entertaining spectacle.

The carnival is a family friendly event that will have free entry for spectators.

Local Food Truck PB Hotstuff and San Piero Coffee will be on site to cater to everyone’s appetite.

All the action will kick off from 12.30pm.

Follow the Mount Gambier Gift Facebook page for the live program and updates.